Oscar Hype: Lost in Translation

The month of February ushers in the annual onslaught of Oscar hype. Over the next twenty-six days, you’re likely to encounter more “film aficionados” and endure more nauseating cinematic conversations than any socially-adjusted individual is engineered to withstand. In fact, best prepare yourself as this year promises to be twice as daunting now that the “Best Picture” category has been extended from 5 to 10 nominees.


It’s as if each year during this brief window, the stigma is lifted and we begin to surface (from the depths of our parent’s basements) to not only partake in, but spearhead the cultural debate. Don’t get me wrong, I make it a point to go see as many as the next nerd. However, this year I’m genuinely more jazzed to see two films that for lack of 3-D, Sandra Bullock, and the English language for that matter; are likely to fly under the radar.     

1.)    Terribly Happy (Denmark):  The official Danish submission; though unfortunately not among the five nominees selected this year to contend for “Best Foreign Language Film.” Try to imagine if the Cohen brothers had gotten a hold of Hot Fuzz. Intriguing to say the least, but I’ll let the trailer speak for itself. Currently playing in select theaters.

2.)    A Prophet (France):  Listen, I know what you’re thinking…“the French are assholes!” Yet this film has not only secured its bid within the foreign language category, its already being hailed as an epic crime drama akin to that of The Godfather (The London Times). The story follows a 19-year-old Arab man sentenced to a French prison, as he carves out a name for himself amid an organized crime syndicate. Set to release February, 26th in select US cities.

Eat it, Avatar!